Inside Celine Dion's island paradise

Robert Galbraith, The Gazette06.11.2012

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Jason Kempin
/ Getty Images

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's Realty.Ethan Miller
/ Getty Images

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montenaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Joseph Montanaro
/ Sotheby's International Realty Canada

This magnificent stone mansion was custom-built in 2001 by illustrious entertainer Celine Dion and her family. Located on a private island measuring over 830,000 sq ft, this grand estate is being sold turn-key with almost all its contents. With six bedrooms and bathrooms, the home also boasts a private gated bridge onto the island, which is completely fenced in for maximum privacy and security. Currently offered at $29,655,500.
More information and video from Joseph Montanaro / Sotheby's International Realty Canada.Ethan Miller
/ Getty Images

Related

Two weeks ago, singer Céline Dion and her husband/manager René Angélil announced that because their Quebec mansion was seldom used - due to her concert schedule - they had decided to put the fabulous island retreat up for sale. At $29,655,500, including all the furnishings, the Île Gagnon retreat was hailed as the most expensive property ever listed on the Quebec housing market.

Earlier this week, Sotheby's International Realty Quebec broker Joseph Montanaro offered an exclusive interview and a sneak peak into the world of a superstar.

Located about 25 kilometres north of downtown Montreal, in the Sainte-Rose district of Laval, the secluded 19-acre paradise is surrounded on all sides by the Riviere des Mille Îles. A short stone causeway allows you ac-cess from the mainland to the island, where you pass through two huge gated fences and a guardhouse maintained by a 24-hour-a-day security officer. The property is virtually impregnable if you're not invited in.

As soon as you are on the island, you get the sense of being in a well-groomed park, or a tastefully landscaped forest, complete with over a dozen varieties of majestic soft-and hard-wood trees, including varieties of oak, pine and maple. Chirping baby robins clamber over the lawn, following their mother and begging for worms and insects, while great blue herons stealthily stalk the shoreline, spearing frogs and small fish with their dagger-like beaks. You are immersed in the bucolic pleasures of nature.

A short drive down the crushed stone driveway, the forest opens up and you first glimpse the mansion, in all its grey stone glory.

First-century Roman statues and other intricately carved 2,000-year-old artifacts adorn the landscape, close to the residence's entranceway. "At one time there were 200 people working on the house during its building," explained Montanaro. "It took two years to build and was completed in 2001."

The three-storey French Normandy-styled château is a modern, private castle, built of grey stone and topped with a slate roof and surrounded by glorious landscaping features.

Entering the grand foyer of the 24,000-square-foot residence, one is dazzled, feeling at first as though you are entering a superluxurious opera house.

An exquisite, polished wood and wrought-iron-adorned stair-case (that would have made even Scarlett O'Hara blush with envy) winds upwards, opening onto the three levels.

The first floor is largely sheathed in fine white and grey marble detailing of the highest quality. Custom-made Persian rugs are laid upon the marble adding further richness. Overhead, a lavish onyx and gold gilded chandelier hangs from the coffered ceiling. The place is a Canadian version of Buckingham Palace or Château Versailles, albeit on a smaller scale. But the entrance hall is just a teaser for what is to follow.

The first floor features a formal dining room that seats 18, with chairs covered in silk upholstery. The over-sized windows are decorated with hanging, golden silk drapes. There is also a smaller informal dining room for when it's just family at home.

PAGEBREAKNext is the main living room, made up for entertaining guests, the ceiling of which has hand-painted blue skies and white clouds that seem to float overhead.

Adjacent to it is the custom "La Cornue" hardwood panelled kitchen with its three granite-topped islands, 62'' cooktop, four prep sinks, built-in rotisserie, three ovens, four fridges, and an Elektra espresso machine. If you are interested in cooking, then this is a kitchen to die for.

Besides the lavish marble floor coverings, much of the floor space is covered in custom wood floors with herringbone and basket weave patterns, with intricate figurative and floral in-lays. There is a dreamy sun room with cut stone walls, expansive long windows and warm Jerusalem marble flooring.

"Every room has a television set or sets in it," explained Montanaro. "Mr. Angélil loves media and television." There must be dozens of televisions in the six-bedroom, six-bathroom home, as well as an integrated sound, satellite and lighting system throughout.

Angélil's office is covered from floor to ceiling in exquisite Birdseye maple, with albums, CDs and mementos.

Celine Dion has sold over 200 million albums world-wide.

On the second level you will find the lavish double master's suite and the much more contemporary children's suites, one designed with a false black alligator skin patterned flooring and white shelving, walls and ceiling.

"This look is more like their present home on Jupiter Island, Fla.," described the broker. "The Florida house is more contemporary and in a Bahamian style which reflects the local climate, while this home is more classic and settled and characteristic of Quebec architecture."

The third floor holds the gym and guest room, with its canopied and richly-carved bed frame. It also has Dion's extensive wardrobe of rack upon rack of outfits and a dedicated closet for her extensive shoe collection, all categorized in style and colours.

"It's no secret that Mrs. Di-on is a huge shoe and fashion aficionado," says Montanaro.

The lower level holds the games room with its billiard table, card table and well-stocked bar. It is also on this floor that you'll find the mother of all wine cellars; a four-room, vaulted stone wine cellar with integrated tasting room that seats 10 people. One room is for red wines, one for white wines, one for champagne and one for sherries and port.

A well-endowed, customized elevator whisks you from floor to floor. Handmade fireplaces made of the finest coloured marble available fill almost every room of the home. Almost every room of this house has a river view.

There are numerous exterior terraces with wrought iron railings and sumptuous water and forested views.

Also on the property is an extra large, outdoor in-ground pool, with accompanying stone pool house, incorporating its own kitchen and built-in BBQ grill.

This residence is a turnkey purchase, meaning that all the furniture, artwork (which there is an inventory catalogue available for), Persian rugs, glassware, flatware, China, linens and much more are part of the purchase. Some of more personal items of the family, such as family portraits, clothing and children's artwork are not included.

But before you will be al-lowed on the property, Sotheby's requires that prospective buyers are pre-qualified before a viewing is scheduled. So don't even bother thinking about dropping in for a peak; it just won't happen.

But don't wait too long to decide whether to buy or not to buy; Montanaro believes the property won't last long on the market. "We already have three visits scheduled for June and there is a lot of interest."

For more info contact Sotheby's International Realty Quebec broker, Joseph Montanaro, at 514-660-3050 or josephmontanaro.com

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